The Free Toy Day at the Cherokee County Crisis Center was a tremendous success Friday – helping more than 200 families to provide their children with toys this Christmas.

Afterwards, we spoke with Gene Tatum:

Due to the overwhelming response, there will be no giveaway on Saturday – since supplies have been exhausted.

However – if you’d like to lend a helping hand for next Christmas – you can drop off toys anytime of the year at the Crisis Center; toy collection is headed up by David Osbourne and Kathy Cagle.

the Crisis Center is located in the basement of the Cherokee Baptist Association building – that’s on 411 across from the K-Mart building.

The annual Christmas for Kids event at the Waffle King Restaurant in Centre, is set for Saturday, (December 13th) from 9:00am – 2:00pm.

That event will feature inflatables for the kids, horse rides and more and a visit from Santa Claus as well; there will also be prizes awarded during the event.

Donations of toys for needy children will be taken throughout the day.

Cherokee Health & Rehab is sponsoring a Toy & Food Drive now through December 17th.

The Toy Box will be in the front lobby and Food Boxes will be in the front lobby and throughout the building.

For the Toy Box – new unwrapped toys for children up to the age of 12 will be accepted. For the Food Boxes – all food items should be non-perishable.

and the Centre Fire Department is conducting its annual Christmas toy drive now through December 19th.

Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Wal-Mart in Centre, or the fire station weekdays between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.

All donations given will benefit the children of Cherokee County through several local charities.

For additional information contact Fire Chief Kevin Ware at (256) 927-3333.